Tuesday, July 18, 2017

READ, LISTEN AND REJOICE

Today’s Reading: Philippians 4

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

 

The Apostle Paul was guided to the city of Philippi by a vision (Acts 16:9-10), probably around 49 or 50 AD. Accompanied by Silas, Timothy and possibly Luke, Paul preached for the first time on European soil in Philippi (Acts 16:12-40) and baptized Lydia, a purple dye merchant, in a river to the west of the city. While in Philippi, his exorcism of a demon from a slave girl caused a great uproar in the city, which led to their arrest (Paul and Silas) and public beating (Acts 16:16-24). A miraculous earthquake caused their prison to be opened. The jailer prepared to kill himself, thinking all the prisoners had escaped and knowing that he would be severely punished. Paul stopped him, indicating that all the prisoners were in fact still there. The jailer then became one of the first Christians in Europe (Acts 16:25-40). Paul visited the city at least on two other occasions, in 56 and 57 AD. The Epistle to the Philippians dates from around 61-62 AD and shows the immediate impact of Paul’s instruction.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

 

Key Verse: Philippians 4:19

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

 

The first three verses are most interesting. Paul commends the “Brothers,” but perhaps two of the women were not in such close fellowship. Nevertheless, Paul also commended the women who “laboured with me in the Gospel.”

It’s an order repeated twice, “REJOICE!” Whether we feel like it or not, let’s do it! A good start is to, “Be anxious for nothing,” then confirm our decision by prayer and thanksgiving.

We can claim 100% the promise from God stated in our key verse, because we believe the previous sentence found in verse 13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!” Let’s just do it! Go ahead, try something which is included under the heading of “all things,” and watch God supply “all your need” in order to accomplish “all things.” Another promise is, “All things are yours.” Read 1 Corinthians 2:9-16 & 3:1-23. Note that the word “things” is repeated 13 times.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, as You inspired Paul to write, “All things are Yours” in 1 Corinthians 3:21, may I be consciously and fervently seeking Your will so that I will know what things You desire of me and for me. I want only what You want! So, I ask You now for what You know are the best things for my service to You as well as for my personal needs. In Your all supplying Name I pray. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

My eldest son has a trade, and so did Paul. Paul’s was making tents to support his missions ministry, so my son is as a professional photographer through which he tries his best to earn money for personal expenses without taking a salary from any organization. I think that our 100 Words photographer, David Reynold Mainse, should be able to give 100% of his time to the mission of World Embrace by having a salary. What do you think? He and his wife Kathy live in Uganda full time. Please pray for them and support them as you are led (click here for info about their ministry – receipts for tax deductions are available in Canada and in the USA).

Philippi became a ghost town because they experienced earthquake after earthquake. It is said that a picture is worth 1,000 words. Take a look back at the pictures from the past three days, and “listen” to the pictures communicate. I’ve done that and I’m filled with the message that this earth is not a stable, solid foundation for my life! Only my faith in Christ provides a firm, unmovable foundation on which I can build my entire life.

Yours for reading and listening… And moving on tomorrow to a man who did just that, “EZRA,”

David

P.S. Twice yesterday I mislaid my cane. Jadice, Ron and Ann’s 4-year-old granddaughter, specializes in keeping track of my cane. I can hear her in my imagination now, “Great-Grand’pa, here’s your cane!” (picture below). This happened many times last year when Norma-Jean and I lived with Ron and Ann and Jadice was visiting from Indiana. I called out for her today, got emotional, but of course had to find my cane myself! Thanks again to Ron and Ann for making this blog possible.

This was the marketplace of ancient Philippi.

The Via Egnatia was built beginning in 145 BC . This route was Rome’s primary artery to the east and Philippi was an important outpost along the road. The Egnatian Way made it easier for Rome to move troops throughout the empire and it was the route that Paul traveled on from Neapolis to Philippi, Amphipolis, Apollonia and Thessalonica.

 

6 thoughts on “Tuesday, July 18, 2017

  1. One thing to rejoice over is this blog. Thanks again to you and your family, David, for doing it!. Glad you have a little helper to find that disappearing cane. My cell phone does the same!

  2. Yes, be careful for nothing and rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice. These verses liberate me this morning. Thank you Apostle Paul, and thank you David for this blog. God bless you and all the saints today. Ger

  3. Thank you Pastor David for the scripture and your words this morning, very uplifting. I am going to miss Philippians a lot of verses to live by are in it.
    Loved the picture of you and that little sweetheart Jadice, kids are so precious to us Grandparents and G. Grandparents.
    Philippians 4:13 has been my life verse since was I was 14, now that I am 77, I need to keep reminding myself that, I Can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Bless all dear blog friends today, I have just taken time to pray for all those who are devastated because of the fires in B.C.

  4. Oh, amen, Paul! Resting assured, our reward is in heaven. Precious memory, David–may you have a peaceful day. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with our spirits, indeed. Blessings fellow saints in the Lord.

    The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty;
    the Lord is robed; he has put on strength as his belt…
    Mightier than the thunders of many waters,
    mightier than the waves of the sea,
    the Lord on high is mighty!
    Ps 93:1, 4, ESV

    What a Beautiful Name, Hillsong Worship, with lyrics
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5L6QlAH3L4

  5. please continue to pray for rain in British Columbia! Need to put out the fires; fire fighters are very weary, they are short about 200 people, also many are very emotionally drained;
    I pray the Lord will forgive the sins of all the people; grant them forgiveness;
    pray that people act responsible regarding cigarettes and camp fires….
    beautiful song Beverlee Kay! TY and God bless you and Ger and all on this blog…
    amen

  6. so true! the earth is not stable, never has been! Only The Lord Jesus Christ, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit is stable, now and forevermore AMEN

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.